Rolling Swim Start

As part of IRONMAN ongoing race development and improvements, IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai will be using a "Rolling Swim Start".

This method of start has been introduced into several IRONMAN events across the globe with positive feedback and outcomes.

What is a rolling start?

Athletes will line up according to their realistic, predicted swim time (self-seeding) and every five seconds, we will send out ten athletes. It will take approximately 20 minutes to get the entire field across the swim start line.

In effect, this will create a “time trial” dynamic for the race and for the determination of the final results.

Please notice: The predicted swim time does not have to be communicated to the race officials in advance.

Why change to a rolling start?

– It is part of the IRONMAN Global Swim Smart initiative aimed at increasing safety and reducing anxiety in the swim.

– It allows athletes to swim at their own ability and improves the overall swim experience

– It leads to faster swim times

– It defuses the drafting problem on the bike course

Do moderate swimmers have any advantage by starting in the front part of the field?

No, it is quite the contrary. If a moderate swimmer starts in the front part of the field, she/he will be passed by hundreds of fast swimmers which poses a needless risk for all involved parties. The cut-offs stay the same (1h 10m swim, 5:30 swim/bike, 8h swim/bike/run) and all athletes with a finishing time of more than 8 hours do not appear in the results list.

PLEASE BE HONEST TO YOURSELF AND LINE UP ACCORDING TO YOUR REALISTIC EXPECTED SWIM TIME!